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Family of Derek Boogaard files wrongful-death lawsuit against NHL

The family Derek Boogaard is filing a lawsuit against the NHL. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The family Derek Boogaard is filing a lawsuit against the NHL. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The family of Derek Boogaard has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the NHL, the New York Times reports. According to the report, the lawsuit filed by the family claims the NHL is responsible for the brain damage and physical trauma Boogaard endured during his six-year career in the NHL. The lawsuit also claims the NHL is responsible for Boogaard's addiction to prescription painkillers in his final two years in the NHL.

Boogaard was playing for the New York Rangers when he accidentally overdosed on prescription painkillers and alcohol on May 13, 2011. Following Boogaard's death, a scan of his brain found that Boogaard had chronic traumatic encephalopathy. According to the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, CTE is a progressive degenerative disease found in the brain due to repeated blows to the head.

New York Times